1
|
Todorov P, Georgieva S, Trapella C, Chakarov K, Tchekalarova J, Pechlivanova D, Cheshmedzhieva D, Fantinati A, Illuminati D. Synthesis, characterization, and biological study of new synthetic opioid hemorphin-4 peptides containing sterically restricted nonnatural amino acids. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2400052. [PMID: 38578075 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Some new hemorphin-4 analogs with structures of Xxx-Pro-Trp-Thr-NH2 and Tyr-Yyy-Trp-Thr-NH2, where Xxx is 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl)propanoic acid or 2-amino-3-(4-dibenzylamino-2,6-dimethylphenyl)propanoic acid, and Yyy is (2S,4S)-4-amino-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, were synthesized and characterized by electrochemical and spectral analyses. In vivo anticonvulsant and antinociceptive activities of peptide derivatives were studied after intracerebroventricular injection in mice. The therapeutic effects of the modified peptides on seizures and pain in mice were evaluated to provide valuable insights into the potential applications of the novel compounds. Electrochemical characterization showed that the compounds behave as weak protolytes and that they are in a soluble, stable molecular form at physiological pH values. The antioxidant activity of the peptides was evaluated with voltammetric analyses, which were confirmed by applying the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The compounds showed satisfactory results regarding their structural stability, reaching the desired centers for the manifestation of biological activity without hydrolysis processes at 37°C and physiological pH. Dm-H4 and H4-P1 exhibited 100% and 83% potency to suppress the psychomotor seizures in the 6-Hz test compared to 67% activity of H4. Notably, only the H4-P1 had efficacy in blocking the tonic component in the maximal electroshock test with a potency comparable to H4. All investigated peptides containing unnatural conformationally restricted amino acids showed antinociceptive effects. The analogs Db-H4 and H4-P1 showed the most pronounced and long-lasting effect in both experimental models of pain induced by thermal and chemical stimuli. Dm-H4 produced a dose-dependent thermal antinociception and H4-P2 inhibited only formalin-induced pain behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petar Todorov
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stela Georgieva
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kalin Chakarov
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jana Tchekalarova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Daniela Pechlivanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" 1, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Cheshmedzhieva
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Illuminati
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Serafin P, Kowalczyk P, Mollica A, Stefanucci A, Laskowska AK, Zawadzka M, Kramkowski K, Kleczkowska P. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities against Various E. coli Strains of a Novel Hybrid Peptide-LENART01. Molecules 2023; 28:4955. [PMID: 37446618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding the ideal antimicrobial drug with improved efficacy and a safety profile that eliminates antibiotic resistance caused by pathogens remains a difficult task. Indeed, there is an urgent need for innovation in the design and development of a microbial inhibitor. Given that many promising antimicrobial peptides with excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties are secreted by some frog species (e.g., bombesins, opioids, temporins, etc.), our goal was to identify the antimicrobial properties of amphibian-derived dermorphin and ranatensin peptides, which were combined to produce a hybrid compound. This new chimera (named LENART01) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains K12 and R1-R4, which are characterized by differences in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core oligosaccharide structure. The results showed that LENART01 had superior activity against the R2 and R4 strains compared with the effects of the clinically available antibiotics ciprofloxacin or bleomycin (MIC values). Importantly, the inhibitory effect was not concentration dependent; however, LENART01 showed a time- and dose-dependent hemolytic effect in hemolytic assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Serafin
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Kowalczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna K Laskowska
- Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zawadzka
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karol Kramkowski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kleczkowska
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy in Warsaw, 03-411 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang Z, Wei Y, Wu W, Zhang L, Wang J, Shan A. Characterization of simplified nonapeptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities as potential food preservatives, and their antibacterial mechanism. Food Funct 2023; 14:3139-3154. [PMID: 36892465 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03861g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention in the field of food preservatives due to their favorable biosafety and potential antimicrobial activity. However, high synthetic cost, systemic toxicity, a narrow antimicrobial spectrum, and poor antimicrobial activity become the main bottlenecks for their practical applications. To address these questions, a set of derived nonapeptides were designed based on a previously discovered ultra-short peptide sequence template (RXRXRXRXL-NH2) and screened to identify an optimal peptide-based food preservative with excellent antimicrobial properties. Among these nonapeptides, the designed peptides 3IW (RIRIRIRWL-NH2) and W2IW (RWRIRIRWL-NH2) presented a membrane-disruptive and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation mechanism to execute potent and rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without observed cytotoxicity. Moreover, they exhibited favorable antimicrobial stability regardless of high ionic strength, heat, and excessive acid-base conditions, retaining potent antimicrobial effects for chicken meat preservation. Collectively, their ultra-short sequence length and potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial capacity may be beneficial for the further development of green and safe peptide-based food preservatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyi Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Yingxin Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Wanpeng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Licong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Jiajun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Anshan Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marinaccio L, Zengin G, Pieretti S, Minosi P, Szucs E, Benyhe S, Novellino E, Masci D, Stefanucci A, Mollica A. Food-inspired peptides from spinach Rubisco endowed with antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Food Chem X 2023; 18:100640. [PMID: 37008720 PMCID: PMC10064441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2023.100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rubiscolin-6 (amino acid sequence: YPLDLF) is a selective δ-opioid receptor peptide isolated from spinach Rubisco. Its synthetic analogue, peptide YPMDIV is the most potent described so far for its increased opioid activity, thus in this work it was considered as lead compound for the design of twelve new analogues e.g. LMAS1-12. Firstly all the novel compounds have been tested for their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capacity in vitro and in vivo in order to evaluate their ability to maintain or loss the original activity. Among them peptides LMAS5-8 gave the best results, thus their antioxidant properties have been investigated along with their enzymatic inhibitory ability. Peptide LMAS6 shows a strong antioxidant (154.25 mg TE/g CUPRAC) and inhibitor activity on tyrosinase (84.49 mg KAE/g), indicating a potential role in food industry as anti-browning agent, while peptides LMAS5 and LMAS7 possess a modest cholinesterase inhibitory activity suggesting a conceivable use for nutraceuticals production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Marinaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Minosi
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Edina Szucs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Sandor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Ettore Novellino
- NGN Healthcare, Mercogliano, 207, Via Nazionale Torrette 83013, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wojciechowski P, Kleczkowska P, Mollica A, Stefanucci A, Kaczyńska K. Vagal apnea and hypotension evoked by systemic injection of an antinociceptive analogue of endomorphin-2. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173514. [PMID: 32860810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PK20M (Dmt-D-Lys-Phe-Phe-OH) is a novel modified endomorphin-2 (EM-2) peptide producing strong dose- and time-dependent antinociceptive activity. Yet its prototype, endogenous EM-2, has been reported to trigger respiratory and vascular effects such as apnea and hypotension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potency of the PK20M to evoke respiratory and cardiovascular responses in comparison to endogenous endomorphins. The engagement of the vagal pathway and μ opioid receptors in mediation of these responses was investigated. The effects of intravenous injections of PK20M, EM-1, and EM-2 were studied in anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats. The main dose-dependent effect of all endomorphins in the intact rats was immediate apnea, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. PK20M produced apnea in at least half of the intact animals in a much smaller dose than EM-1 and EM-2. The effects of all compounds were abrogated by pre-treatment with MNLX, a peripherally acting μ receptor antagonist. Cervical vagotomy eliminated arrest of breathing in the case of each tested compound. Hypotension was reduced by vagi section only after EM-1 and EM-2 administration. Our results demonstrated that apnea and bradycardia caused by systemic injection of all endomorphins were mediated via activation of μ vagal opioid receptors. The hypotension depended on intact vagi nerves only in the case of EM-1 and EM-2, whereas PK20M decreased blood pressure via other mechanisms outside vagal innervation. Modified opioid agonist is more potent in evoking extended hypotension; at the same time, it produces an arrest of breathing less frequently than its prototype EM-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Wojciechowski
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kleczkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, The Centre for Preclinical Research (CBP), Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Kaczyńska
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Lipiński PFJ, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Kluczyk A, Janecka A. Pharmacological Profile and Molecular Modeling of Cyclic Opioid Analogues Incorporating Various Phenylalanine Derivatives. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1322-1329. [PMID: 32412162 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based agonists of the μ opioid receptor (μOR) are promising therapeutic candidates for pain relief with reduced side effects compared to morphine. A deep understanding of μOR-ligand interactions is necessary for future design of peptide-based opioid analgesics. To explore the requirements of the μOR binding pocket, eight new analogues of our cyclic peptide Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 displaying high μOR affinity were synthesized, in which Phe in either the third or fourth position was replaced by various derivatives of this amino acid (β3 -Phe, homoPhe, β3 -homoPhe and PhGly). The aim of this research was to examine the structural effects of such modifications on the bioactivity, and both experimental and theoretical methods were used. The binding of the cyclic analogues to all three OR types (μ, δ, κ) was assessed by radioligand competitive binding assay, and their functional activity was determined in a calcium mobilization assay. In order to provide structural hypotheses explaining the obtained experimental affinities, the complexes of the cyclic peptides with μOR were subjected to molecular modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Borics A, Tömböly C, Dvorácskó S, Lisowski M, Kluczyk A, Wołczański G, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Janecka A. Synthesis, receptor binding studies, optical spectroscopic and in silico structural characterization of morphiceptin analogs with cis-4-amino-L-proline residues. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:864-870. [PMID: 29110363 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Three novel morphiceptin analogs, in which Pro in position 2 and/or 4 was replaced by cis-4-aminoproline connected with the preceding amino acid through the primary amino group, were synthesized. The opioid receptor affinities, functional assay results, enzymatic degradation studies and experimental and in silico structural analysis of such analogs are presented. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Attila Borics
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marek Lisowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Wołczański
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Piekielna-Ciesielska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Singh G, Singh G, Bhatti R, Gupta V, Mahajan A, Singh P, Singh Ishar MP. Rationally designed benzopyran fused isoxazolidines and derived β 2,3,3-amino alcohols as potent analgesics: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking analysis. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 127:210-222. [PMID: 28063353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Based on structure activity analysis of morphine related opiates, we have synthesized some novel benzopyran fused isoxazolidines (2a-e) and derived conformationally constrained β2,3,3-amino alcohols (3a-e), which were evaluated in vivo for their anti-nociceptive activity through acetic acid induced writhing test (peripheral) and formalin induced algesia (central). Results showed that, compound 2a possesses significant opioid agonist activity. Further, molecular docking analysis reveals that compound 2a binds to δ-opioid receptor (DOR) with comparatively better D-score than to μ (MOR) and κ (KOR) receptors. Compound 2a did not show any toxicity up to a 2000 mg kg-1 dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Bio-Organic and Photochemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, Punjab, India
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Bio-Organic and Photochemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, Punjab, India
| | - Rajbir Bhatti
- Bio-Organic and Photochemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, Punjab, India
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Post-Graduate Department of Physics & Electronics, University of Jammu, Jammu Tawi, 180 006, India
| | - Ajay Mahajan
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Palwinder Singh
- Department of Chemistry, UGC Sponsored Centre for Advanced Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, Punjab, India
| | - Mohan Paul Singh Ishar
- Bio-Organic and Photochemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Piekielna J, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Cerlesi MC, Calo' G, Tomböly C, Łapiński K, Janecki T, Janecka A. Ring size in cyclic endomorphin-2 analogs modulates receptor binding affinity and selectivity. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 13:6039-46. [PMID: 25948019 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00565e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The study reports the solid-phase synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new side chain-to-side chain cyclized opioid peptide analogs of the general structure Tyr-[D-Xaa-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, where Xaa = Lys (1), Orn (2), Dab (3), or Dap (4) (Dab = 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, Dap = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid), containing 17- to 14-membered rings. The influence of the ring size on binding to the MOP, DOP and KOP opioid receptors was studied. In general, the reduction of the size of the macrocyclic ring increased the selectivity for the MOP receptor. The cyclopeptide incorporating Xaa = Lys displayed subnanomolar MOP affinity but modest selectivity over the KOP receptor, while the analog with the Orn residue showed increased affinity and selectivity for MOP. The analog with Dab was a weak MOP agonist and did not bind to the other two opioid receptors. Finally, the peptide with Xaa = Dap was completely MOP receptor-selective with subnanomolar affinity. Interestingly, the deletion of one Phe residue from 1 led to the 14-membered Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (5), a potent and selective MOP receptor ligand. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in a calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A good correlation between binding and the functional test results was observed. The influence of the ring size, solid support and the N-terminal protecting group on the formation of cyclodimers was studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Remesic M, Lee YS, Hruby VJ. Cyclic Opioid Peptides. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:1288-303. [PMID: 27117332 PMCID: PMC5693220 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160427123005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
For decades the opioid receptors have been an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of pain. Since the first discovery of enkephalin, approximately a dozen endogenous opioid peptides have been known to produce opioid activity and analgesia, but their therapeutics have been limited mainly due to low blood brain barrier penetration and poor resistance to proteolytic degradation. One versatile approach to overcome these drawbacks is the cyclization of linear peptides to cyclic peptides with constrained topographical structure. Compared to their linear parents, cyclic analogs exhibit better metabolic stability, lower offtarget toxicity, and improved bioavailability. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies have uncovered promising compounds for the treatment of pain as well as further elucidate structural elements required for selective opioid receptor activity. The benefits that come with employing cyclization can be further enhanced through the generation of polycyclic derivatives. Opioid ligands generally have a short peptide chain and thus the realm of polycyclic peptides has yet to be explored. In this review, a brief history of designing ligands for the opioid receptors, including classic linear and cyclic ligands, is discussed along with recent approaches and successes of cyclic peptide ligands for the receptors. Various scaffolds and approaches to improve bioavailability are elaborated and concluded with a discourse towards polycyclic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1306 E. University, P.O. Box 210041, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monodrug therapy has been used with success to fight various pathologies. When one medicine fails, co-administration of two or more drugs at the same time may be successfully applied in the treatment of infections, hypertension, HIV and in many other fields. DISCUSSION This approach has some weakness related to the pharmacokinetic of the two different substances administered, side effects, possible drug-drug interaction. Bivalent ligand approach would maintain the strength of the multidrug therapy (synergistic effect, lower doses, and little side effects) and overcome the weakness of a co-administration. CONCLUSION In this review we have described the state-of-the-art of the multitarget approach for the control of pain. Several approaches adopted by different research groups and future perspectives have been discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cyclic endomorphin analogs in targeting opioid receptors to achieve pain relief. Future Med Chem 2015; 6:2093-101. [PMID: 25531970 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Endomorphins, the endogenous ligands of the µ-opioid receptor, are attractive candidates for opioid-based pain-relieving agents. These tetrapeptides, with their remarkable affinity for the µ-opioid receptor, display favorable antinociceptive activity when injected directly into the brain of experimental animals. However, the application of endomorphins as clinical analgesics has been impeded by their instability in body fluids and inability to reach the brain after systemic administration. Among numerous modifications of the endomorphin structure aimed at improving their pharmacological properties, cyclization can be viewed as an interesting option. Here, we have summarized recent advances in obtaining endomorphin-based cyclic peptide analogs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Piekielna J, Perlikowska R, do-Rego JC, do-Rego JL, Cerlesi MC, Calo G, Kluczyk A, Łapiński K, Tömböly C, Janecka A. Synthesis of mixed opioid affinity cyclic endomorphin-2 analogues with fluorinated phenylalanines. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:579-83. [PMID: 26005537 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogues of a general sequence Tyr/Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (where Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), incorporating fluorinated amino acids: 4-fluorophenylalanine (4-F-Phe), 2,4-difluorophenylalanine (2,4-F-Phe), or 4-trifluoromethylphenylalanine (4-CF3-Phe) instead of the Phe residue in position 3 or 4. Depending on the fluorinated amino acid residue and its position in the sequence, analogues were mixed, high affinity MOP/KOP receptor agonists, MOP/DOP/KOP agonists, or selective KOP agonists. The in vitro potencies and efficacies of all novel analogues were assessed in calcium mobilization assay. The most potent analogues, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2 and Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-2,4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2, were tested in vivo in the mouse hot-plate test. They produced strong antinociceptive effect not only after intracerebroventricular but also after intraperitoneal injection, indicating that they were able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Piekielna
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jean Claude do-Rego
- Institut de Recherche et d’Innovation
Biomédicale (IRIB), Service Commun d’Analyse Comportementale
(SCAC), Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Université de Rouen, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 75794 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Luc do-Rego
- Institut
National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM),
Regional Platform for Cell Imaging (PRIMACEN), Faculté des
Sciences et Techniques, Université de Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
| | - Maria Camilla Cerlesi
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department
of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Italian Institute
of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty
of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Synthesis and biological evaluations of novel endomorphin analogues containing α-hydroxy-β-phenylalanine (AHPBA) displaying mixed μ/δ opioid receptor agonist and δ opioid receptor antagonist activities. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 92:270-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
15
|
Rational Approach to the Design of Bioactive Peptidomimetics: Recent Developments in Opioid Agonist Peptides. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63462-7.00002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
16
|
Mollica A, Carotenuto A, Novellino E, Limatola A, Costante R, Pinnen F, Stefanucci A, Pieretti S, Borsodi A, Samavati R, Zador F, Benyhe S, Davis P, Porreca F, Hruby VJ. Novel cyclic biphalin analogue with improved antinociceptive properties. ACS Med Chem Lett 2014; 5:1032-6. [PMID: 25221662 DOI: 10.1021/ml500241n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel opioid analogues have been designed by substituting the native d-Ala residues in position 2,2' of biphalin with two residues of d-penicillamine or l-penicillamine and by forming a disulfide bond between the thiol groups. The so-obtained compound 9 containing d-penicillamines showed excellent μ/δ mixed receptor affinities (K i (δ) = 5.2 nM; K i (μ) = 1.9 nM), together with an efficacious capacity to trigger the second messenger and a very good in vivo antinociceptive activity, whereas product 10 was scarcely active. An explanation of the two different pharmacological behaviors of products 9 and 10 was found by studying their conformational properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Limatola
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Costante
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Pinnen
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento
di Chimica, Sapienza, Università di Roma, P.le A. Moro,
5, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Department
of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Borsodi
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Reza Samavati
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Zador
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mollica A, Stefanucci A, Costante R, Novellino E. Pyroglutamic Acid Derivatives: Building Blocks for Drug Discovery. HETEROCYCLES 2014. [DOI: 10.3987/rev-14-800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
18
|
Abstract
This paper is the thirty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2012 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mollica A, Costante R, Stefanucci A, Pinnen F, Luisi G, Pieretti S, Borsodi A, Bojnik E, Benyhe S. Hybrid peptides endomorphin-2/DAMGO: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 68:167-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
20
|
Lesma G, Salvadori S, Airaghi F, Murray TF, Recca T, Sacchetti A, Balboni G, Silvani A. Structural and biological exploration of phe(3)-phe(4)-modified endomorphin-2 peptidomimetics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:795-9. [PMID: 24900748 DOI: 10.1021/ml400189r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports on our ongoing investigation on hybrid EM-2 analogues, in which the great potential of β-amino acids was exploited to generate multiple conformational modifications at the key positions 3 and 4 of the parent peptide. The effect on the opioid binding affinity was evaluated, by means of ligand stimulated binding assays, which indicated a high nanomolar affinity toward the μ-receptor, with appreciable μ/δ selectivity, for some of the new compounds. The three-dimensional properties of the high affinity μ opioid receptor (MOR) ligands were investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, molecular dynamics, and docking studies. In solution, the structures showed extended conformations, which are in agreement with the commonly accepted pharmacophore model for EM-2. From docking studies on an active form of the MOR model, different ligand-receptor interactions have been identified, thus confirming the ability of active compounds to assume a biologically active conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giordano Lesma
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi, 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, via Fossato
di Mortara 17-19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Airaghi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi, 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Thomas F. Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68102,
United States
| | - Teresa Recca
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi, 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sacchetti
- Dipartimento
di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica ‘Giulio Natta’, Politecnico di Milano, p.zza Leonardo
da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Ospedale
72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Silvani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi, 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|